The nasal septum is the wall that divides your nose into left and right nasal airway passages. The nasal septum is made up of cartilage and thin bone which is covered on both sides by a thin layer of soft tissue. You can feel the nasal septum as the middle structure when you pinch the tip of your nose. A nasal septal perforation is a hole through the nasal septum, allowing communication between the right and left nasal cavities. The hole may range in size depending on the cause of the perforation. The following illustrates the causes, symptoms, and ultimate treatments for a nasal septal perforation repair when necessary.
Sometimes, depending on the size of the septal perforation, it may heal on its own. However, as the size increases, the likelihood of spontaneous resolution decreases. A proper nasal septal perforation repair is important because of the delicate nature of the tissue.
Early consultation with a nose specialist is crucial for diagnosing the underlying cause of nasal septal issues, preventing complications, and exploring appropriate treatment options, including surgical repair if necessary.
The goals of managing septal perforations are to reduce the bothersome symptoms that result from nasal dryness. Therefore management involves measures that are designed to increase humidification of the passing nasal air, to prevent nasal crusting, bleeding, scabbing, and airway obstruction.
However, such measures are limited as they are designed to only address symptoms and not to correct the perforation itself. For persistently bothersome perforations, there are surgical options.
Depending on the size of the perforation, and its exact location in the nose, there are various surgical techniques for repair:
This type of repair involves the placement of a prosthetic to plug the whole. Such a repair may be bothersome as a foreign object is placed in the nose. This may also cause infections, and require frequent visits to the doctor for a replacement. These have fallen out of favor by most doctors and patients.
For small perforations (less than 2.5 cm) local flaps may be used to repair the perforation. This type of repair uses neighboring tissue in the region of the perforation to seal the hole and cover it. This procedure usually involves the same day surgery at an ambulatory surgery center. Post-operatively you may experience some discomfort during the healing process. As the size of the perforation increases, the success rate of a local flap decreases. However, this type of repair is less symptomatic for patients than using a septal button as no foreign material is placed in the nose that needs to be replaced, or that can become infected.
For perforations (2.5 – 3.5cm), tissue in the region may not be enough to close the perforation. Other options include using tissue from the face or mouth to cover and seal the hole.
For larger perforation (>3.5 cm), a free flap may be performed that uses transplanted tissue from the scalp and is used to reconstruct the missing tissue.
Perforations that have the symptoms including bleeding, crusting, obstruction whistling or nasal collapse should be evaluated for surgical intervention when symptoms become burdensome. The success of repairs depends on maintaining good blood flow in the postoperative period. Patients are encouraged to discontinue smoking for a minimum of 6 weeks before and then 2 weeks after surgery. Also, patients may need to discontinue supplements or over the counter medications that may impair healing.
Dr. Mourad is an Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in all sizes of septal perforation repair. After a thorough history and examination, you will learn how big your perforation is and what options for closure exist. We will check your medical benefits to let you know what to expect so there are no surprises. If you think we can help please give our office a call.
Specific surgeons are more equipped to handle and treat septal perforations. Typically, Otolaryngologists (or ENT surgeons) have the skills needed to repair such perforations of the septum. More complex and large perforations may require specialists such as Facial Plastic surgeons in order to repair the defect. Wherever the nasal septal perforation repair is done make sure you feel comfortable and confident in the specialist you are working with.
A hole in the nasal passages can lead to a variety of symptoms, which may vary in severity depending on the size and location of the perforation. Common symptoms include:
Yes, perforated septum not only disrupts the natural humidifying process of the nose but also affects breathing comfort. By altering normal airflow, it can cause air to swirl abnormally, leading to excessive dryness, crusting, and potential infections. This condition can obstruct nasal passages, making breathing through the nose difficult and forcing reliance on mouth breathing, which lacks the nose’s ability to warm and humidify air. If left untreated, the perforation may enlarge, further compromising nasal structure and breathing efficiency.
It’s advisable to consult an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or a facial plastic surgeon specializing in nasal conditions if you experience any of the following:
Depending on the type of surgery you have, you will likely have nasal packing/splints in your nose. These are placed by Dr. Mourad to allow for proper healing of the internal nasal structures, like an “internal cast” for the nose. These typically are removed at your first postoperative visit, one week later. You will also likely have a nasal cast on the outside of the nose. This also helps reduce swelling and keep everything in place. This remains on the nose also for 1 week following surgery. Depending on your work, Dr. Mourad typically recommends taking a minimum of 3 days off before returning to work. He also discourages his patients from any heavy lifting as this can alter the structure of the nose through straining. If you wear glasses, you may require some alterations as to not provide pressure on the nasal bones. Dr. Mourad will provide you with pain medications, ointments, nasal sprays, all to help maximize your results.
You will see Dr. Mourad one week after surgery where he will remove all casting materials and splints. Your nose may be swollen for a temporary period of time, so don’t stress! The nose is a small area, and all that surgery causes swelling that eventually is reduced with time. Depending on the patient this swelling typically lasts for 2-3 weeks but can last up to two months in rare circumstances. To help reduce the swelling Dr. Mourad will re-apply tape to the nose that will be there until your second post-operative visit. This pressure dressing reduces the amount of swelling. The second postoperative visit will involve removing all the tape. Dr. Mourad will then see you in visitations two weeks later, and then one month after that. Dr. Mourad enjoys the continued visitation of his patients and will see them in follow up for many years thereafter.